SSPL
We shall bounce back after defeat in the League – Coach Ibrahim Hussein
The head coach of EL Merriekh SC Bentiu, Ibrahim Hussein has promised that after suffering their first defeat on Sunday, the team will bounce back to winning ways in the 2025/2026 South Sudan Premier League.
EL Merriekh SC Bentiu suffered it’s first defeat going down 2-0 to Kator FC in a match played on Sunday at the Juba National Stadium.
The defeat saw EL Merriekh SC Bentiu remain with 13 points from six matches played and dropped to 4th place on the table behind Kator FC, Jamus SC and Malakia FC.
But head coach Ibrahim Hussien has called on the players to keep working hard because there are many more matches to be played. “We need to remain focused to be able to get positive results in the other matches to come. The defeat to Kator is a wake-up call and we must work hard and improve,” says the head coach.
The coach made it clear that although they have managed to score 21 goals from six matches played, the team still has to improve on several areas including the defending.
El Merriekh SC Bentiu head coach Ibrahim Hussein has been voted best manager of the 2025/2026 South Sudan Premier League.
Hussein was awarded after the final match on Saturday at the Juba National Stadium. The calm tactician who has also handled teams in Sudan was recognized for his tactical acumen and leadership.
Other El Merriekh SC Bentiu players who received Awards include; Sampi Ousimane (Most Valuable Player (MVP) and Daniel Magot (Goalkeeper of the season).
The season’s outstanding players and coaches received Awards from the sponsors MTN South Sudan.
El Merriekh SC Bentiu have been crowned champions of the 2025/2026 South Sudan Premier League.
The giants lost the last match of the season 1-0 to arch-rivals Jamus SC on Saturday at the Juba National Stadium.
Handled by head Coach Ibrahim Hussein, El Merriekh SC Bentiu finished with 64 points after 26 matches played, while last year’s champions Jamus SC came second with 61 points.
El Merriekh SC Bentiu went on to win a double after they also defeated Al Ghazala SC 2-1 in the final of the South Sudan Cup a week ago.
“I am very happy that the team has worked hard and won two trophies,” said coach Hussein.
The Awards ceremony was attended by Hon. Atong Kual Menang, Minister of Youth and Sports, Francis Amin Michael, President of the South Sudan Football Federation, and Hon. Bush Bush, Minister of Youth and Sports for Central Equatoria State among others.
MTN South Sudan are the sponsors of the 2025/2026 South Sudan Premier League.
El Merriekh SC Bentiu are the 2025/2026 South Sudan Premier League champions.
Handled by coach Ibrahim Hussein, the Pride of Bentiu emerged champions on Tuesday after arch-rivals Jamus SC lost 2-0 to Holy Family FC.
The defeat of the arch-rivals SC means that El Merriekh SC Bentiu become champions since they lead the table with 63 points, with two more matches to be played, while even if Jamus SC winning the remaining two matches does not bring them close to the Pride of Bentiu.
El Merriekh SC Betiu who walloped Koryom FC 6-1 on Monday have two remaining matches against Al Ghazala SC and Jamus SC. They are also in the final of the South Sudan Cup 2026.
El Merriekh SC Betiu now qualify to represent South Sudan in the 2026/2027 TotalEnergies CAF Champions League.
South Sudan Premier League table standing
P W D L GF GA GD PTS
El Merriekh SC Bentiu 24 20 3 1 76 19 57 63
Jamus SC 24 17 4 3 70 16 54 55
Holy Family FC 24 15 3 6 48 27 21 48
Kator FC 22 13 5 4 40 19 21 44
Malakia SC 23 12 6 5 42 27 15 42
Al Ghazala SC 23 14 0 9 55 42 13 42
Wajuma FC 24 10 2 12 36 39 -3 32
Atlabara FC 22 9 4 9 31 37 -6 31
Koryom FC 24 6 5 13 43 61 -18 23
Olympic FC 23 6 2 15 22 50 -28 20
Salam FC Aweil 22 4 6 12 31 54 -23 18
Bentiu City SC 24 5 3 16 35 78 -43 18
Al Hilal FC Wau 22 3 6 13 28 37 -9 15
Lion Hunters FC 23 2 3 18 27 78 -51 9
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